Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has told Stephen Ireland he must work
harder after overlooking the midfielder for Sunday's derby clash with
Birmingham.

Bad report: Stephen Ireland has been told he must work harderPhoto: PA

By Telegraph staff and agencies

7:32AM GMT 01 Nov 2010

Ireland was valued at £8 million when he moved to Villa in August as part of the deal which saw James Milner join Manchester City.

But he has only shown his best form in patches and failed to impress in the previous two matches against Sunderland and then Burnley in the Carling Cup.

Houllier opted to use rookie central defender Ciaran Clark in a midfield role in preference to Ireland, a non-playing substitute, during the goalless draw against Birmingham City at Villa Park on Sunday.

The former Liverpool manager has warned the Irishman that skill alone is not sufficient to put him at the forefront of his plans.

Houllier said: "Ireland needs to work harder. He played against Chelsea and did well, he played against Sunderland and was not good enough to me - simple as that.